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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

You should not drink that anyway. It was oversteeped.

[outofoffice]

[ SPUTTERS INDIGNANTLY ]

You brat!!!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Sorry.

That just earns a snicker behind one gloved hand. ]

[outofoffice]

[ He harrumphs, pushing back from the table like he might flounce.

. . . Except he simply rounds the table to drop himself right into Zhongli's lap. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Oh?

Is this his punishment then?

He simply wraps his arms around Venti and rests his head in the crook of his neck. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Yes. This is his punishment. Venti even pulls his legs up and folds his wings in such a way that Zhongli must bear the burden of all of him. ]

My wants and desires reminded me that this is where I'm happiest.

[leaveofabsence]

[ His tiny wind god... ]

Hangover drunk early in the morning and drinking oversteeped tea in another patheon's version of eternal punishment?

I think I'm worried more for you now.

[outofoffice]

No need to be deliberately obtuse. You're naturally obtuse enough already.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He just laughs and leans over to kiss Venti on the cheek. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Venti twists in his lap so that he can get an arm around Zhongli's neck in an embrace. Clinging on as hard as he reasonably can in this position.

And uncharacteristically, doesn't offer another glib remark. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Thank you for your kindness, Barbatos.

And for giving me space.

It is one of the hardest things to let someone you care about walk away while still hurting.

[outofoffice]

You don't need to thank me. Your free will is always yours.


[ Even if, yes, he stared at the ceiling all night wracked with concern ]

[leaveofabsence]

But each choice we make has consequences. And ripple to those around us. If my plans for retirement have taught me anything, it is not to underestimate how strong those waves may be.

[outofoffice]

[ Tipping his head ]

And do you still want space now?

[ He asks, already in Zhongli's lap, clinging onto him . . . ]

[leaveofabsence]

No. I have sufficiently collected my composure.

And as always with this place, there are new concerns to deal with even before the dust has settled on previous encounters.

[outofoffice]

. . . Really?

[ In a tone like "what NOW???" ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He carefully touches Venti's earring as to not seem like he is attempting to remove it. ]

Heart and sensitiv still wear these marks of misdeeds against the production.

And as you mentioned before, there were many dreamers and dreams in this last game.

And some of those dreamers are not equipped well to handle with the tumultuous emotions that follow.

[outofoffice]

[ His expression darkens at the reminder of the earring ]

So what is it you intend to do?

[leaveofabsence]

Make a contract or two. That usually takes care of the issue.

[outofoffice]

[ Sighs . . . ]

I don't know what I expected.

[leaveofabsence]

I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that I can still keep you guessing after all these years.

[outofoffice]

And I should consider myself fortunate that some things really do stay the same.

[ A considering pause.

And then he lefts his hand to turn Zhongli's face towards him, making sure he's looking at him. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He does not resist the gesture, but he does raise one eyebrow in Venti's direction curiously.

Yes, Barbatos? ]

[outofoffice]

I didn't realize the degree to which erosion has weighed heavy on your mind, though I should have. I'm sorry.

[leaveofabsence]

You have nothing to apologize for.

Unfortunately such a burden must be born in brunt by the individual. And you yourself have many troubles of your own to deal with.